Atlanta Braves Moving to Cobb County in 2017

Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz announced that the Braves plan to celebrate opening day 2017 at a new Cobb County location. The new stadium will be built on 60 acres of land near the intersection of I-75 and I-285.

Schuerholz said, “Today I would like to announce that the Atlanta Braves will build a new ballpark which will open for the 2017 major league baseball season. The new location is a short distance from Downtown Atlanta, at the intersection of I-75 and I-285.”

“Our lease at Turner Field expires in three short years, but in addition to that we wanted to find a location that is great for our fans, makes getting to and from the stadium much easier, and provides a first rate game day experience in and around the stadium.”

“Turner Field, which we do not own, is in need of hundreds of millions of dollars of upgrades. Unfortunately, that massive investment would not do anything to improve access or the fan experience. These are issues we simply cannot overcome.”

“Our vision for the future is grand. The new stadium site will be one of the most magnificent in all of baseball. It will thrive with action 365 days a year. We plan to transform the surrounding area of the new ballpark into a mixed use destination. It will serve our fans from Atlanta, the southeast, and beyond in the finest of fashions.”

“This new ballpark will be in the heart of Braves country, and we look forward to creating memories and sharing championships together on this exciting journey.”

“Please visit homeofthebraves.com for more information.”

The new stadium will have an Atlanta address at the intersection of I-75 and I-285. It will feature increased access to major roadways, a variety of transportation options and additional parking close to the stadium. Credit: Atlanta Braves

Press Release:

Atlanta Braves Secure Land for New Stadium and Integrated Mixed-Use CommunityWill be Ready for Opening Day 2017

ATLANTA, November 11, 2013 – The Atlanta Braves organization has secured a large tract of property at the northwest intersection of I-­75 and I­‐285 and is working with Cobb County leaders to build a new world class Major League Baseball stadium and integrated mixed‐use development. The Braves will not extend their lease at Turner Field upon its expiration at the end of 2016.

“We believe the new stadium location is easy to access while also giving our fans a first-rate game day experience in and around the ballpark and making it a 365 day a year destination,” said Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz.

The property, which has an Atlanta address and is located in Cobb County, has easy access to I-­75, I­‐285, U.S. 41/Cobb Parkway and a variety of other transportation options. The stadium will occupy a portion of the site, with the balance being used for parking, mixed-­use development and green space.

The estimated cost of the stadium, parking and related infrastructure is roughly $672 million. The Braves will be a significant investor, along with Cobb County, in the project.

During construction of the stadium, more than 5,227 jobs will be supported, with a total payroll of more than $235 million.

The Braves’ lease at Turner Field, which is owned by the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta-Fulton County Recreation Authority, ends at the conclusion of 2016. Since the facility opened in 1997, the Braves have invested nearly $125 million in Turner Field.

Turner Field currently needs $150 million in infrastructure work (including seat replacement, upgrades to the lighting, etc.), none of which would significantly enhance the fan experience. If the Braves were to pay for additional projects focused on improving the fan experience, the additional costs could exceed $200 million.

Even with a significant capital investment in Turner Field, there are several issues that cannot be overcome – lack of consistent mass transit to the facility, lack of adequate parking, lack of access to major roadways and lack of control over the development of the surrounding area.

Construction on the new stadium is scheduled to start in the second half of 2014 and will be completed by Opening Day 2017. The Braves will develop the remaining parcels surrounding the stadium, crafting a world-­‐class entertainment district featuring retail, restaurants and hotel options.

Fact Sheet:

Why are the Braves moving?

The Braves’ lease at Turner Field, which is owned by the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta-­Fulton County Recreation Authority, ends at the conclusion of 2016. The Braves have decided to not extend the lease beyond its expiration.

Since the facility opened in 1997, the Braves have invested nearly $125 million in Turner Field.

The facility needs $150 million in infrastructure work (replacing the seats, repairing and upgrading lighting, etc.), none of which would significantly enhance the fan experience. If the Braves were to pay for additional projects focused on improving the fan experience, the additional costs could exceed $200 million.

Even with a significant capital investment in Turner Field, there are several issues that cannot be overcome – lack of consistent mass transit to the facility, lack of adequate parking and lack of access to major roadways.

The Braves also do not have control over the development of the area surrounding Turner Field.

New Facility Information:

The Atlanta Braves have secured property to build a world-­‐class Major League Baseball stadium and integrated mixed-­‐use development on 60 acres at the northwest intersection of I-­75 and I-­285.

The property has an Atlanta address and is located in Cobb County with easy access to I-­75, I­‐285, U.S. 41/Cobb Parkway and a variety of other transportation options.

The new stadium will be located near the geographic center of the Braves’ fan base.

The stadium will occupy a portion of the site, with the balance being used for parking, a mixed-­‐use development and green space.

The estimated cost of the stadium, parking and related infrastructure is roughly $672 million. The Braves will be a significant investor, along with Cobb County, in the project. In addition, the Braves will cover all cost overruns for the construction of the stadium.

During construction of the stadium, more than 5,227 jobs will be supported, with a total payroll of more than $235 million.

The project is scheduled to start in the second half of 2014 and will be completed by Opening Day 2017.

The Braves will develop the remaining parcels surrounding the stadium, crafting a world-­‐class entertainment district featuring retail, restaurants and hotel options.

Plans call for the stadium to be owned by the Cobb­‐Marietta Coliseum and Exhibit Hall Authority, which also owns the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Comments

By far this is one of the most progressive decisions that both the leaders of Cobb County and the owner of the Atlanta Braves could make. At this time both the Atalanta economy and Cobb county are seeing growth that will support this move. This will help the entire region grow even more.

Great job to the leaders of Cobb County and to the Atlanta Braves as well as to all of the fans who I’m sure will support this decision.